Coastal Marianthus is a precious threatened native shrub renowned for its distinctive red flowers with white stamens and significant conservation value that creates meaningful displays in Australian gardens. This rare Western Australian species produces striking red flowers with contrasting white stamens that bloom from September to November, providing valuable spring color while supporting urgent conservation efforts. The egg-shaped, thick leaves create attractive evergreen foliage, with the woody prostrate habit spreading up to 50cm diameter and tending to become climbing with age. Endemic to a highly restricted range, it thrives in white sand over limestone and coastal cliff conditions with excellent drainage essential. Perfect for coastal gardens, conservation plantings, and areas where threatened native shrubs with unique red flowering create important landscape displays while supporting species preservation.
Height: 20-50cm (prostrate to climbing), Spread: 50cm diameter
Marianthus paralius is endemic to a restricted part of southwestern Western Australia, growing in white sand over limestone on low coastal cliffs, known only from two locations north of Perth in the Gingin and Joondalup areas, requiring excellent drainage and coastal conditions.
Cultural SIgnificance
As a threatened species from Western Australia’s unique coastal flora, this plant represents irreplaceable biodiversity of the Perth coastal region and was traditionally part of the specialized coastal plant communities. Its conservation through cultivation is crucial for preventing extinction.